[Physical restraints in geriatric care: attitudes of nurses, patients and their families].

Nurses' attitudes influence decisions on physical restraints. A literature analysis was conducted on nurses', patients', and their families' attitudes towards physical restraint use in the elderly. While nurses' attitudes are characterized by ambivalence, patients and their relatives express mainly negative feelings towards the use of physical restraints. Knowledge about nurses', patients', and their relatives' attitudes is indispensable for the development of alternative interventions. Patients' dignity as well as their right to freedom and movement must be respected and protected.